RANSVESTIA
"It's more than I could take, Sis. I'm not sure what I will do but I can't return to the army under these circumstances."
She could realize her brother's horror and distaste at these advances, as at the age of fourteen he had been the victim of an indecent assault which had fortunately not succeeded but had left scars which had not yet been erradicated.
"I'm sure you will be able to find the answer to the problem, Janet. You have always cleared up these messes and I hope you can do it again."
Janet looked helplessly at her brother. It was true that she was the leader of the two ever since their parents had been killed in a car crash three years ago. Now that their biggest crisis had come she had to tell him that she was leaving in two day's time.
"James, I've been trying to tell you. I'm getting married in Australia in one week's time. I leave here on Sunday and I don't know how to help you."
Looking white and shaken he asked her to tell him more. She explain- ed that they had met two months ago while Donald Jackson had been in London on a business trip for his mining company and it had been a case of love at first sight. Donald had flown home to make the arrange- ments for their wedding in Adelaide the following week.
James managed a smile, took her in his arms and kissed her.
"Congratulations, darling. I'm very happy for you and nothing must spoil your marriage. I'll find a solution and manage somehow."
Janet sat deep in thought, then suddenly said:
"I think I have got the solution and it seems foolproof. I'm not sure you will like it. You said you had been a company clerk, right? Now, how good is your typing and shorthand?"
"What on earth has that got to do with it? Anyway, it's 100 words per minute typing and 170 shorthand, which I think you will agree is very good for a mere male,” he replied with an attempt at light relief.
35